Killer's heartless 'Grim Reaper' final words before execution for teens' deaths
A ruthless killer who spent 13 years on Death Row after murdering two teenagers uttered some chilling last words before being executed. Robert Alton Harris and his brother Daniel Marcus Harris kidnapped two 16-year-old boys from a fast food restaurant in San Diego on July 5, 1978.
The boys, John Mayeski and Michael Baker, were held at gunpoint and forced to drive to an isolated area. When they reached the area, Robert Harris brutally shot and killed the two victims. According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, the killer gloated about their deaths and ate the rest of their hamburgers.
Later that day, the Harris brothers used the stolen vehicle to rob a nearby bank. They were caught by police after a witness followed them to their home address after the robbery. Robert Harris was convicted just a year later of two counts murder in the first degree with special circumstances, and kidnapping. He was sentenced to death on March 6, 1979.
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Daniel Harris was convicted of kidnapping and sentenced to six years in state prison. He was discharged in 1983. In what was the first execution in California in 25 years, Robert Harris was executed on April 21, 1992 in the gas chamber at San Quentin State Prison. His chilling last words will stay in the memory of those who witnessed his death forever.
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According to prison boss Daniel Vasquez, the murderer's final words were: "You can be a king or a street sweeper, but everyone dances with the Grim Reaper." Witnesses reported that Robert Harris smiled, joked and winked at the crowd gathered to watch him die.
Despite being granted a last-minute reprieve while strapped into the gas chamber, he was brought back two hours later and executed just after 6am on April 21, 1992. Dressed in a blue work shirt and jeans, his final moments were recorded by the Los Angeles Times.
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The killer uttered some chilling last words before he was executed (Sipa/REX/Shutterstock)
Robert Alton Harris kidnapped and killed two teenage boys (Sipa/REX/Shutterstock)The report reads: "Again, Harris was walked in. This time, his face was blank. His resignation and fear seemed greater. Again, officers swarmed over him, strapping his wrists, arms, chest, legs. The officer's arms again were around Harris' chest. There was no fight.
"At 6:02 or so, Harris nodded to his officer friend, looked up, blinked, turned to his brother and looked away. After a pause, a thumbs-up again. His cousin, Leon Harris, returned the sign.
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"Then the moment everyone in the room will remember: He threw his head back over his left shoulder and caught the eye of Michael Baker's still-grieving father. "I'm sorry," he mouthed.
"Baker, a stoic, bitter and sad man, nodded his head sharply at this final confession. At 6:07 by the warden's watch, the pellets dropped and the colourless gas began to invade Robert Harris." The murderer was pronounced dead at 6:21am.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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